A '96 with 176K isn't really that old. With proper maintenance (not too late
to start!) it can provide many more years of reliable transportation.

Piston rings would be my last thought with what you describe. My first
thought is for the age of the timing belt. I don't think that is the cause
of your trouble, although it could be... and if it is, it is vital you not
start the engine again until you replace the belt. Here's the deal on that:
determine when the belt was last changed, and guesses or assumptions don't
count. It should have been changed around the 100K mile mark (consult your
owner's manual, hoping you have one). If you are on the original belt, or if
you *might* be, you are flirting with serious engine damage from the belt
failing. Let us know about this, because there isn't much point looking at
anything else until that's settled.

Otherwise, if the timing belt is not overdue for change, you are probably
looking at just catching up on routine maintenance and other minor stuff.
(Glad you got oil in it!)

Mike

check your coolant by looking inside the radiator, NOT the expansion
bottle.  if you're losing oil & coolant, the head gasket's gone.

and unless this motor is seriously abused, like running it without oil,
176k on a 96 is barely middle aged.

No way is your car garbage for its age and miles. Like Mike
implied, at your rate, it should take you to 300k miles, as
long as a bit of regular maintenance is commenced.

Like Mike says, it could be your car just needs a serious
tuneup. Otherwise, I would suspect a failing ignition coil.
The oxygen sensor is also a possibility, but unless fuel
mileage is down, and since you don't say you've got a "Check
Engine Light" (which I'd expect in a 96, for OBDII), I think
the O2 sensor is less likely.

Since they're both a bit expensive, and your car sounds like
it could stand a tuneup, start with the less expensive
tuneup items as follows:

-- New, genuine Honda ignition wires, plugs, distributor cap
and rotor. These might make a big difference right away.
-- New air filter and fuel filter
-- Coolant drain and fill, using genuine Honda anti-freeze
or Havoline Dexcool. Purge cooling system properly of air,
using the manual. Air in the system can cause idle problems.

See how the car runs. If still giving you the problems,
check the resistance of the coil, using a Chilton's manual
as a guide. A new coil, without labor, will cost you about
$67 + shipping at online OEM Honda parts sites. Add $75 more
for labor. Also, if fuel mileage changes drastically,
suspect the oxygen sensor. That costs around $100 + shipping
from https://www.automedicsupply.com/ (best prices around
for OEM O2 sensors). But like I said, ISTM you really should
get the CEL on for a seriously bad O2 sensor on a 1996.

As for the oil in the spark plug tubes, your Accord has two
seals per spark plug tube that could be leaking. Given your
car's age, I would suspect the four O-rings that are lower
in the tubes have hardened and no longer seal properly.
Replacing them is kind of a big job--intermediate or
advanced beginner's. With help from two of the regulars
here, I did it recently on my 91 Civic, at about 172k miles.
I documented the effort at
http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id3.html . If
you've checked and adjusted the valve lash by yourself
before, you can probably do it.

I would not suspect piston rings. This newsgroup rarely, if
ever, gets reports of piston rings being blown for a car of
the age you give. Unless it's been abused somehow. But I
can't imagine how that might be.

I hope that timing belt is up to date, like Michael says.
It's not my first guess, but it's always helpful to have the
maintenance history posted here when troubleshooting
someone's car problem.

Updates are welcome, for the education of others in the
future. :-)

piece of sh.t*) last night when i was getting off the
highway.. i noticed my engine was jerking... didnt think
much of it until i stopped at the red light and the car was
idling back and forth as if it was going to stall out.. when
i got home.. i checked my oil .. VERY LOW..... changed it
same problem.. checked the spark plugs n noticed.. there was
oil in the 3rd and 4th spark plug hole.. i decided it was a
leak in the vavle cover.... now this can range from.. jus a
faulty gasket.. to jus a simple tune up.. i later got info
that it could be my piston rings.. how do i determine which
it is ....? n how much would it cost to fix if it is my
pistion rings

thanks guys.. i fixed the problem..... turns out jus like u said.. needed to get a tune up .. so i jus did a basic tune up at home.. seems to run fine now.. but if anytime it starts being bad.. ill be sure to come back and ask more questions.. THANKS AGAIN.

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96_f22b2